Festive programme attracts tens of thousands to Derby

A programme of festive events attracted tens of thousands of visitors to Derby in the run up to Christmas new figures show.

Derby City Council teamed up with a number of cultural and business partners to bring Christmas to the city, under the banner of Festive Derby.

It combined events, including pantos, and attractions, such as the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink, Nordic Bar and the restored Derby Market Hall

According to figures released by the city council more than 51,000 people visited Derby Market Hall in December, while over 22,000 attended the Nordic Bar in the Market Place and 11,000 took to the ice rink.

More than 36,000 people also attended the city’s pantomime, Dick Whittington, at Derby Arena.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, culture and tourism, said: “Christmas magic returned to Derby in 2025, with another sensational festive period.

“This success was the result of incredible teamwork with our partners who, as always, worked with us to ensure a wonderful Festive Derby experience.”

The season was officially launched with the Christmas Lights Switch-On event, which took place in late November and featured a vibrant lantern parade as part of Surtal Arts’ Season of Light festival.

It also tied in with Love Sadler Gate’s annual Sadler Gate Night Market.

More than 4,000 visitors attended the switch on, while over 4,200 people visited the Market Hall on the night, which was hosting an Ethical Market.

Throughout the whole of December more than 51,000 visited the Market Hall to enjoy a host of independent local traders, Christmas markets, festive dining and free entertainment.

Santa and his elves also spent the run up to Christmas in the Market Hall, welcoming more than 1,200 children to the Cathedral Quarter Santa’s Grotto.

The Festive Derby Light Trail, in partnership with the Cathedral Quarter BID, pop-up food vendors and free outdoor entertainment also added to the city’s Christmas shopping and dining experience.

Meanwhile, in the nearby Market Place, the Nordic Bar attracted more than 22,000 visitors.

Adjacent to the Nordic Bar was the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink, which hosted special events like a Christmas Eve party and dedicated toddler sessions.

More than 11,000 people laced up their skates for a memorable glide on the ice.

The city’s pantos also proved a huge hit, with more than 36,000 people, including 16,000 children, attending Derby LIVE and Little Wolf Entertainment’s Dick Whittington at Derby Arena.

Theatre goers also enjoyed Tortoise and the Hare, Oliver Twist and Count Arthur Strong as Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol at Derby Theatre.

And more than 1,000 people enjoyed Merry Elwin the Adventurous Elf, a magical family production at Chapel Street Arts Centre from Paul Broesmith, the Lost Boys and Derby LIVE:

There were also festive events at Vaillant Live, Derby Museums’ Museum and Art Gallery and Pickford’s House, plus Christmas carol concerts, special services and events at Derby Cathedral, St Werburgh’s and St Peter’s Church.

Plans for Festive Derby 2026 are already underway, with tickets already on sale for Snow White at Derby Arena and Help! Santa’s Missing at Chapel Street Arts Centre.

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